Zarin

by Sarah J. Stone

  “Now,” he echoed. Now was the time they would bring their father down. And this time, they would make sure that he stayed dead.

  Chapter 15

  Nicholas wasn't sure whether he was happy or angry that they had been right. Sure enough, as soon as they reached Cole's room, they knew that Thomas and Cole were in time. And from the crashing, his father was likely in there as well, in dragon form.

  “Should we?” Nicholas asked. Alexander nodded, glancing to Peter for agreement. Ariel stepped as far back as she could, and they stretched their necks, giving each other room.

  “I'm impressed with how you can control your powers,” Rosa said, as the princes began their transformation. “I didn't realize it before. But being around you, you are completely in control and you can flex it. That's rare.”

  “Practice,” Ariel said, grimly. “More than I would like. In the recent months, I've tried to control it even more around Alexander, just in case.”

  “Hopefully, all that practice comes in handy at the moment,” Rosa answered. Ariel winced, watching, with her arms crossed.

  “They say practice makes perfect,” she said. “But to what end?”

  Once the three dragons were standing in the hallway, they checked in with each other, waiting half a moment.

  And then they stormed the door, breaking it down.

  King Richard was standing in the middle of the room. Both Thomas and Cole were bounded as Alexander had been. They were injured, but alive, frantic for help.

  Ah, my boys are all together. Richard looked at the three majestic dragons in front of him. His long neck swiveled down to look at Rosa. His eyes flared, recognizing that the magic had finally reached its peak. Immortality.

  Is that really what you want, Father? Peter distracted him with a slight step to the left. The throne is terribly exhausting.

  Of course, you think that. You were never properly prepared. You hate what you are.

  Do I? Peter cocked his head. Or did I just hate what you tried to make me?

  Richard focused on Peter for a moment and then turned his head back to Rosa, trying not to be distracted.

  You fashioned him into a tyrant, Alexander put in, circling him. When in truth, he's a much better king than you could ever dream to be.

  Richard snapped at Rosa, and she jumped, trying to be brave. Nicholas got in his way, his nostrils flaring.

  Why don't you give up, Father? He asked. You can't win.

  You forget, boy, Richard said. I taught you everything that you know. I know how you move. I know how you fight. I know how you think.

  Do you? Alexander taunted him. Do you think we take after you?

  I think we take after Mother, rest her soul, Peter said.

  The conversation was hard to follow; Richard's head going every which way. Ariel pushed herself up against the wall, taking a step and then another one and another. She was edging behind Richard, moving carefully, one leg behind the other.

  Rosa snuck toward Thomas and Cole. She didn't dare take off their bonds for fear that Richard might notice. But she thought she could channel their power better if she was touching them.

  She didn't need to touch Charity, for they were forever bonded as mother and child. Even apart from her, she could feel Charity's heart beat in her own and feel her life force growing stronger with every moment.

  She crouched down very slowly, almost not moving. Luckily, Cole picked up on what she was doing and leaned in, touching her. Thomas did the same, and she felt their magic flow through her.

  This was much different than when she had two bodies of magic in her. Those didn't belong there had made her sick. But this way, it flowed through her and out her fingertips, growing every second. A gift, rather than a duty. A choice, rather than a punishment for being alive.

  She could see the scene in her head half a second before it played out. She knew, somehow, that Peter was going to step to the right and Alexander to the left.

  Ariel had made her way behind Richard, and had her arms spread out, ready to grab his massive sides.

  Rosa nodded very subtly to her, and Ariel tensed.

  This was it; it was now or ever.

  Peter did exactly as she predicted he would. Nicholas ducked, Alexander moved to the other side, and she shoved every bit of magic forward.

  To her surprise, it was white as well – pure.

  “AHHHH!” she cried, as it shot from her hands and hit Richard square in the chest.

  It was an explosion; it was fireworks – pain and pleasure all at once. He rose half a meter off the ground, Rosa's magic filling him.

  This was for Charity, for the Halloway, for all the carapaces that he had murdered. This was for Nicholas, for Peter, for Cole and Alexander. This was for her sisters-in-law who had to live in the hell Richard had created.

  She wasn't sure how long it was. Her arms grew tired, but she didn't waiver, focusing on her goal.

  And then, in another second, it was over. Richard was gone as if he had never existed, fading quickly.

  Ariel fell backward, her head slamming into the wall. The windows shattered, and the bedframe collapsed with a terrible crunch.

  And then there was silence.

  “He's gone,” Rosa said, in shock. “He's just gone.”

  She turned to take Cole's gag off, operating on autopilot. He sputtered, shaking his hair.

  “Into the Other,” Cole said. “I felt it.”

  “I killed him.” She had never killed anyone before. It felt shocking, and yet, peaceful. He couldn't stay here; he was ruining their lives. He didn't belong here.

  She hadn't expected to feel this way the first time she killed someone. She knew as a witch, a supernatural creature, it would eventually happen. But now, she was in peace, knowing that she had done the right thing for her child.

  “You sent him back to a place that he had already gone,” Cole replied. “That was all. Welcome back, Halloway.”

  “Ariel!” Alexander had shifted back to human and rushed to his wife.

  “Ah.” Her eyes were fluttering open. She had gotten a good knock on the head, but she was already moving. “Damn it.”

  “You did so well, my love,” he kissed her head. Rosa smiled as Nicholas came toward her.

  “I think that is the first time that Alexander has said he loved her.”

  “We dragons are loving creatures,” he took her in his arms. “Very loving. I am so proud of you my love.”

  He wrapped her in a hug as Cole moved over to undo Thomas' bonds.

  “I can't believe that we did it,” Rosa said. “I can't believe, all these years…”

  “This is what you were meant to do,” he said. “You saved us.”

  “Not just me,” she said, humble as ever. “We all played our part. And we all couldn't do it without each other.”

  “Ah, my love,” he couldn't stop holding her, kissing her. He never wanted to be separated from her again. “I love you. I love you. I can't think of anything else to say.”

  “Let's go see our daughter,” she said into his ear. “That's all I want to do.”

  “Yes, I agree,” he finally managed to tear himself from her neck and shifted to let her take his arm.

  All around him, everyone was standing, recovering. In a reverse of power, Ariel was in Alexander's arms. He was taking no chances with her head, although he looked like he'd rather cuddle her all night than take her to the sick bay.

  “I can't believe we are finally free of him,” Cole said as they walked. “Although, it is just like him to come back uninvited.”

  “He won't come back,” Rosa assured him. “Not with the four of us here. Even if the Other spits him out again, it won't be hard. Your rule,” she turned to Peter, “is secure.”

  “For now,” Peter said, with a soft smile. “No rule is ever secure. But I think mine is as safe as it can be.”

  “I want to thank you all for not throwing me in with him,” Thomas suddenly spoke up.

  “And how will
you repay us, Thomas?” Yvette turned to him, a small smile on her face. She knew that there was good in him, deep down. Thomas only wanted a life where he was treated well; where he could be himself. He had never meant to hurt them. He only wanted to be free, and now he was.

  Thomas surprised them by getting down on one knee, his head bowed.

  “I promise you, I shall be your loyal servant. In anything that you need.”

  “Mm,” Peter said, hugging his queen. “Since you did provide us such information, perhaps I can trust you again. In a position closer to the palace.”

  “What?” Thomas' head shot up.

  “Yes,” Peter mused, looking to Yvette. “Perhaps you would like to resume your post as a warrior in my army.”

  “My Lord,” Thomas sputtered. “I would be honored.”

  “Excellent,” Peter said. “Then rise. You shall return to your position as a lieutenant in the army.”

  “Thank you,” Thomas said, rising.

  Yvette and Enya had kept their promise, and they proudly handed Charity back to Rosa, safe and sound.

  “Thank you,” she said, and Enya smiled.

  “I have a feeling that we have a lot more to thank you for.”

  The moment that Charity was put back in her arms was the happiest moment in Rosa's life. She felt complete as she turned to Nicholas.

  “We will make this world a beautiful place for her,” he said, as the others gave them a moment to be reunited with their child. “A beautiful place that she can rule over, with a fair and just hand.”

  “I just want her to be happy,” Rosa said. “And free.”

  Nicholas kissed his wife's head. “I will always give her those things, no matter what our position in this world.”

  The others came forward then to revel in the newest heir to the throne. Nicholas convinced Rosa to let her go for another moment, drawing his wife into his arms.

  “Well,” he said, “when she grows up, we can tell her quite an entertaining story about her birth.”

  “Not a story most children want to hear,” Rosa rubbed her nose against his. “But I think in this case, we can make an exception.”

  “She and her siblings will have quite the experience,” Nicholas grinned. Rosa choked.

  “Sorry, her siblings?” she asked. “Nicholas, she's not a day old.”

  “Well,” he replied. “We better start planning at the very least. I want so many that the throne room will be full.”

  She chuckled, leaning in to kiss him. She didn't know what the future held. She was sure there would be more challenges. They might even see Richard again, if they were so unlucky. But whatever the future brought, she knew they would be able to stand tall and face it together. Together, with Charity between them, they could do anything they set their hearts to, for love could conquer all.

  ***THE END***

  Spencer (Bonus)

  Dragons of Umora Book 5

  Sarah J. Stone

  Chapter 1

  “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  He always knew her, even when he felt lost. There were the physical signs: the eyes that were blue and green, the dimple that appeared on her chin. But more than that, it was a certain feeling that he got when he was around her. His heart beat faster, his chest felt tight, and his world felt complete.

  Spencer always knew Katianna, even when she had been dead for years. Even when he was in dragon form, his thoughts muddled, and she was a small human below him, he knew the love of his life. And now, he knew that she had reincarnated for the fourth time by his side, the only creature in the world who could do so. How she did it was beyond him, and beyond her, because each time he found her again, he had to remind her of who she was, and who she loved. Dragons had an unusually long life span, and although his years were reaching one hundred, it didn't affect his physical well-being or his mind. In his mind, he was as spry and as in love with her as the day he first saw her.

  Spencer was a dragon shifter lord. Once upon a time, his family had controlled the dragon throne on Umora at the top of the universe. It was generations ago, though, and he was happy to just be close to the throne and able to live a life of luxury. The family in charge of the throne now were four princes – brothers that he knew well. They were a kind, compassionate group, and he enjoyed seeing them often. He had been away from Umora for years, though, since the old, tyrannical King Richard had died and his oldest son, Peter, had taken over. As with most things in the dragon world, though, it was more complicated than a simple succession. Peter had also died, but the veil between the Other, their heaven, had dropped, bringing back some of those supernatural creatures who had died, including Peter, and eventually Richard.

  Last he heard, though, they had destroyed Richard, letting Peter rule with a clear and just heart. Spencer was glad to hear of peace, at last, on Umora. He did intend to return now that things were safe, and he intended to bring Katianna with him. That was, as soon as he convinced her of who she was.

  The students started flooding out of the building, and Spencer stood up, closing his suit jacket. He had been watching her for weeks now, and he was sure it was her. Aside from the fact that her eyes were mismatched and her age was right from when she had died, he just knew that the girl with the purple purse and long, brown hair was Katianna.

  In this life, her name was Bethany, and her parents owned the hotel downtown. She was attending the local community college for hotel management She had so many traits from the last time around: obedience, a quiet demeanor, and a love of the arts. Today was the day he was finally going to approach her.

  To get home, Bethany had to walk past the cemetery. Every time she did, she turned to look at it, pausing. She didn't know that a former incarnation of her was buried in there.

  She always died young, barely making it into her twenties. Sometimes, it was an accident; sometimes, it was fated. Each time, it ripped his heart out until he found her again.

  She was running the front desk of the inn today, a fact that he managed to find out by conversation. Today, he was going to book a room and speak to her.

  He had exactly one week to tell her that the universe was much bigger than school had taught her, that supernatural creatures existed, and that she was an age-old soul who had loved him before.

  Don't forget that we need you at the Council meeting, his phone beeped, and he checked it with annoyance. He also had one week to return to Umora for a summoning of the House of Lords. Nicholas, the middle brother, had taken over correspondence of the dragon lords, and he seemed to like to do it in a very modern way.

  I'll be there, Spencer texted back quickly. He didn't dare disobey his princes, even when distracted.

  The text had made him pause, and given Katianna enough time to enter the inn ahead of him. He counted to ten and then strolled in, his face neutral as she settled behind the desk, taking over for her mother.

  “Hi. Can I help you?” she said, with a smile, brushing back her hair from her eyes. She used to do that all the time, too.

  “I'm looking for a room for the night,” he said. “Do you have any vacancy?”

  “We should,” she turned to the computer, her fingers already flying. “What kind of room?”

  “Your finest,” he replied. Speaking to her again was setting his heart afire already. He had dreamed of this moment since he found her dead last time. Being back in this town made him shiver in memory. It was three incarnations ago, just after the Second World War. There would be no one alive to remember him now; and if they were, they surely wouldn't be taken seriously if they recognized him. He couldn't believe she had reincarnated in the same spot. “Money is no objection.”

  “I have a suite on the top floor,” she replied, looking up. “It's currently $300 for the night.”

  “That will be fine,” he said. “If you think it's your finest?”

  She laughed, and he had to smile.

  “It's great,” she said. “What's your name?”

>   “Spencer St. John,” he replied, and he saw her pause. Did she recognize it? Did it alert her to a memory?

  “Sorry?” she asked. “S-t? Or S-a-i-n-t?”

  “The former,” he said, and then tried an old conversation trick. “Have we met before?”

  “I…uh…” she looked up at him. “I don't think so. Have you stayed here before?”

  “I've been to town before,” he answered. “I used to live here.”

  “Oh,” she replied, cocking her head. “That's neat. Like, how long ago?”

  “A very long time ago,” he smiled as she handed over the room key. “Thank you. Do you work here all the time?”

  “Pretty much! My parents own it,” she said with a shrug. “So, if you have any questions, you can let me know, and I should be able to answer them.”

  “I'm looking for someone to give me a tour of town, actually,” he said. “Show me the way things are now, because I feel like they are quite…different.”

  “I don't know. Things haven't really changed around here,” she gave him a small smile. “But I can do that if you want. I'm studying tourism so I was thinking of starting to give tours.”

  “That would be lovely, Katianna,” he said, and she paused.

  “Sorry, my name is Bethany.”

  He shook his head, as if he made a silly mistake.

  “Of course. Bethany,” he replied. She always had a different name, but she always came to remember her real one before it was over. “When can we arrange that? I can pay for the service, of course.”

  “Oh, um…tomorrow?” she said. “I'll see if I can get a group together from here. Around three o'clock, if you don't have plans?”

  “That's fine,” he replied, taking his room key. “I'll be looking forward to it.”

  “See you then,” she turned back to the computer and began typing. He wanted to linger so much. After all, it had been so long since he had seen her. But he knew that, especially at the start, he had to be careful.

  Spencer made his way to his room just as his phone beeped again. This time, it was Cole, the youngest dragon prince. He handled everything to do with witches and magic, seeing as he was half-witch himself.